Christmas Tree Pesto Bread

Introduction

Bring some festive cheer to your holiday table with Christmas Tree Pesto Bread! This deliciously savory bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with vibrant pesto swirls that will have everyone oohing and ahhing. Not only does it look stunning, but it also tastes incredible—fluffy, buttery bread with the bold, fresh flavors of basil pesto. The combination of tender, golden-brown dough and rich pesto creates a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to be the star of any holiday spread.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a dish to a party, this Christmas Tree Pesto Bread is the perfect way to add a touch of holiday magic to your table. Its charming tree shape makes it an eye-catching centerpiece, while the savory, herby flavors are a delightful contrast to all the sweets that often dominate the season. Plus, the pesto adds a burst of freshness that complements any festive meal.

And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients—bread dough, pesto, and a little creativity—you’ll have a show-stopping loaf ready to impress your guests. Whether you serve it as a side to your main course or as a standalone appetizer, this Christmas Tree Pesto Bread will have everyone asking for the recipe. So roll up your sleeves, shape your dough, and let the holiday magic begin!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Christmas Tree Pesto Bread will steal the show this holiday season:

• Festive and Fun: The Christmas tree shape adds a whimsical touch to your holiday spread.
• Savory and Flavorful: The pesto filling brings a burst of fresh, herby flavor that complements the buttery bread perfectly.
• Impressive Presentation: This bread looks complicated, but it’s easy to make and will definitely impress your guests.
• Versatile: You can serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a unique gift for friends and family.
• Easy to Customize: Swap out the pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto, garlic butter, or even a sweet cinnamon filling for a different twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes it a great option for gatherings where everyone can tear off a piece.
• Fun Activity for Kids: Let the little ones help shape the tree and roll the dough for a family-friendly baking experience.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough and pesto ahead of time for easy assembly right before your event.
• A Holiday Showstopper: Everyone will be talking about your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread—it’s that eye-catching!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 3g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

For the Bread Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)

For the Pesto Filling:

• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra gooeyness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully, creating that soft, fluffy texture.
• Pesto: Fresh, fragrant basil pesto adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
• Olive Oil: Gives the dough a rich, tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the pesto filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and milk. Stir until the dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Pesto Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine pesto, Parmesan, and mozzarella (if using). Stir until well mixed and set aside.

Shape the Bread

1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll each portion into a rectangle about 8×10 inches.
3. Add the Pesto: Spread a generous amount of pesto filling on each rectangle of dough, leaving a small border on the edges.
4. Stack the Layers: Place the pesto-filled dough rectangles on top of each other, creating a stack of 4 layers.
5. Cut the Tree Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough stack into the shape of a Christmas tree. Cut away the bottom to form the trunk of the tree.
6. Place on a Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the tree shape to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press the bottom of the tree together to form the trunk.

Second Rise and Baking

1. Second Rise: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Bake: Bake the tree-shaped bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. You may need to cover the top with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
4. Cool: Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

1. Holiday Appetizer: Serve it as a starter at a Christmas party with extra pesto or marinara for dipping.
2. Giftable Goodness: Wrap up the bread in parchment paper and twine for a festive homemade gift.
3. Holiday Dinner: Pair it with your main holiday dishes like roasted meats or vegetable sides.
4. Table Centerpiece: Place the bread in the center of your holiday spread for a show-stopping presentation.
5. Pull-Apart Fun: Encourage guests to tear off pieces and enjoy this bread with loved ones.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Christmas Tree Pesto Bread with these helpful tips:

1. Make Your Own Pesto: For an extra touch of flavor, make homemade pesto using fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil.
2. Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the tree before baking for a cheesy crust.
3. Use a Pizza Cutter: To make the shaping process easier, use a pizza cutter to slice the dough.
4. Custom Fillings: Feel free to swap out pesto for other fillings like garlic butter, sun-dried tomato pesto, or even a creamy spinach filling.
5. Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished bread with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive look.
6. Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze slices for later enjoyment. Just toast them to revive the delicious flavors!

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Swap the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a more robust flavor.
• Garlic Butter: Spread garlic butter instead of pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet Twist: Try a sweet cinnamon filling for a dessert-style version of this bread.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and yeast for a gluten-free alternative.
• Mini Trees: Make individual mini tree-shaped loaves for a fun, personal touch.
• Stuffed with Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions to the filling for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough (before the second rise) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the second rise and baking.
• Reheat: Reheat leftover bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its fresh-baked flavor.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to create your Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough and pesto filling.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the bread.
• Pizza Cutter: To easily cut the dough into the tree shape.
• Paring Knife: For shaping the tree and trunk.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Christmas Tree Pesto Bread:

• Can I use store-bought pesto?
  Yes, store-bought pesto works just fine for this recipe.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes

! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

• Can I freeze the bread?
  Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough or leftovers for later.
• What if my dough isn’t rising?
  Ensure the yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not too hot.
• Can I use different herbs for the pesto?
  Absolutely! You can use arugula, spinach, or even a mix of herbs for a unique twist.

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Conclusion

Christmas Tree Pesto Bread is the perfect way to add a touch of holiday magic to your spread. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the gorgeous presentation will wow your guests. Plus, you can easily customize the pesto filling or even add some cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

As the bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of fresh herbs and warm, buttery dough—making it impossible to resist. So, gather your ingredients, get ready to impress, and enjoy a slice of festive, flavorful goodness!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!